10 Playroom Design Ideas to Inspire You

Let your child's imagination soar in the playroom of their dreams.

By: Clara MacLellan

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Are you tired of picking up toys just to see them scattered across the living room floor a few minutes later? Why not turn an unused room or attic into a useful space for the kids to play?

Multicolored Playroom Cubbies

Built across two walls in the playroom, multicolored cubbies boast plenty of storage for games, toys and stuffed animals.

From: Eisner Design

Photo by: Eisner Design

Eisner Design

Check out these ideas to help get your creative juices flowing.

Scrabble, Anyone?

Transform a wall in the playroom into a giant game of scrabble for the kids to learn their vocabulary words. Another clever idea? Attach a dowel to the wall with a roll of white craft paper for drawing and coloring. That's what we call easy clean-up.

Fun & Colorful Playroom With Custom Scrabble Board Wall

The perfect place to learn and create, this playroom uses fun colors and patterns that kids of any age will love. Next to the multipurpose wall that stores games and supplies, the art table features rolled, white craft paper to keep the area neat and tidy in between projects. A custom-designed, life sized Scrabble board is the star of the space.

From: Masterpiece Design Group

Photo by: Dennis Eckel

Dennis Eckel

Dreamy Dress-Up Station

Let your little diva put on a performance from the stage in their favorite dress-up outfit. Keep the outfits organized on a small clothing rack that you can easily make yourself with basic tools, plywood and paint.

Little Girl's Playroom With Stage and Dress-Up Area

A curtained stage, microphone and dress-up area make this playroom any little girl's dream.

From: Liz Carroll

Bright + Modern

Create a comfy place for the kids to crash with a row of plush floor cushions, multiple throw pillows and a teepee for reading their favorite books. Keep it playful with a pair of rope swings hanging from the ceiling.

Dream Playroom Features Teepee, Rope Swings and Floor Cushions

Chango and Co. created every child's dream play space in this expansive playroom. Floor mattresses line one wall and are topped with playful throw pillows for crashing, a teepee provides a place for dreaming, and rope swings hang from the ceiling for extra fun. A bold Swiss cross pattern livens up the walls, and black trim highlights the architectural features of the room.

From: Chango and Co.

Photo by: Sean Litchfield Photography

Sean Litchfield Photography

Chalkboard Cabinets

Playroom storage doesn't have to be boring. Use chalkboard paint to give life to outdated cabinets, which cleverly disguise books and any clutter you may want to hide. Plastic bins provide additional storage for organizing toys.

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Costume Corner

For your little superhero who loves to save the day, make a custom costume station to keep all of the outfits and accessories in one accessible place.

BPF_original_painted-kids-costume-station_wideview

With basic do-it-yourself skills, use lumber, pipe and pipe fittings to create a one-of-a-kind costume station for your kids.

Photo by: Brian Patrick Flynn

Brian Patrick Flynn

Make a Costume Display Station

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Enter Stage Right

Do your kids have a collection of costumes and hats tucked away in a trunk or toy box? Build a display for all them. If the costumes are in plain sight, children will be more likely to dress up, put on plays, have fun and make you giggle.

Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Tools and Materials

To make a costume display, you’ll need: pre-cut strip of 1x6 primed MDF (medium-density fiberboard) trim, stud finder, quart of semigloss paint, 2” angled paintbrush, 8” diameter wooden discs, 8’x4’ sheet of 3/4”-thick paint-grade plywood, jigsaw, drill with a 1” paddle bit and a 1/8” drill bit, compass, 2” stainless- steel wood screws, 1/2” stainless steel wood screws, 1x12” threaded galvanized metal pipes (one per outfit), 1” galvanized metal elbow (one per outfit), galvanized metal flanges (two per outfit), measuring tape, speed square, pencil and a calculator.

Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Measure the Wall

Determine the height and width of the costume station. At least 4 feet of vertical space will allow each costume to hang efficiently but keep things low enough that children can reach.

Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Measure and Mark Distance Between Hanging Rods

Each costume will hang on a rod made of threaded galvanized metal pipe, elbows and flanges. To make sure you have the proper amount of clearance for each outfit to hang side by side without overcrowding, measure the average span of jackets, capes or cloaks. A distance of 14 to 18 inches between each rod works best. Use a tape measure to mark the position of each rod onto the primed MDF. Start from the center and work toward each end.

Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Mark Flange Positioning

After you've made all the marks, use a speed square and pencil to draw a straight line across the MDF. This will clearly mark the center point on which to install each flange.

Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Pre-Drill Flanges

If you want the costume station to blend seamlessly with the room, paint the pre-cut, primed MDF in the same color as the wall. For a clean look, pre-install the flanges by centering each flange on the drawn line. Use a 1/8” drill bit to create pilot holes for each of the four screws needed to secure the flange to the MDF.

Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Insert Screws, Remove, Then Paint

Insert the screws into each of the pilot holes, then retract them using the reverse function of the drill. Once screws are removed, use a 2” angled paintbrush and semigloss paint to update the pre-cut, primed MDF.

Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Fasten Flanges and MDF to Wall

Use a stud finder to locate the studs within the wall. Based on the stud locations, hold the MDF up in place and fasten the MDF through the wall and into studs. Insert 2” stainless steel wood screws through the holes of each flange and into the pre-drilled holes of the MDF.

Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Make Hat Holders

The hat holders are made from 8” wood discs placed above each costume. You can find simple wood discs at most craft stores or you can make them out of 3/4”-thick paint-grade plywood. Use a compass to mark the size, then cut using a jigsaw. Paint the discs the same color as the MDF.

Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Attach Flanges to Wooden Discs

Position the flange directly in the center of disc, then attach it using 1/2” stainless steel wood screws and a drill.

Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Assemble Rods

Create the hanging rods by fastening the threaded galvanized metal pipes, elbows and wooden disc-mounted flanges together. Make sure you’ve got a tight fit on each piece.

Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Attach Rods to Wall

Hold up each assembled rod in place along the painted MDF and slowly thread the end of the pipe into the wall-mounted flange, ensuring a tight fit.

Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Add Costumes

Once each hanging rod is secured to the wall, place costumes on clothes hangers, then slide into place along hanging rods. Place hats onto wooden discs to complete the look of the costume station.

Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Mini Workshop

Upcycle an old piece of furniture into an adorable workbench for your aspiring DIYer. A pegboard is the perfect addition for storing toy tools.

CI-SusanTeare_upcycled-toy-workbench_v

childrens toy workbench

Photo by: Joanne Palmisano & Susan Teare ©Susan Teare

Joanne Palmisano & Susan Teare, Susan Teare

Make it: Kids' Toy Workbench

DIY Stage

Do you have a mini performer on your hands? Build a stage for them to sing, act, play music or put on a puppet show. Complete with curtains, they will love showing off their talents to family and friends.

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Add a place to perform with a stage made from basic materials, dressed up with designer touches.

Photo by: Brian Patrick Flynn

Brian Patrick Flynn

Make it: Kids' Playroom Stage

Fun Felt Wall

Let your children express their creativity. Turn a plain, boring wall into an activity center for them to play with stick-on felt figures, cityscapes and more.

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Turn dead wall space into an artistic activity center for kids with batting and felt.

Make it: Felt Activity Wall

Adorable Play Kitchen

Search your local thrift store for an old entertainment center for this clever project. With some love, fresh paint and a few adjustments, you can create a one-of-a-kind toy kitchen that won't break the bank.

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Photo by: Susan Teare ©Joanne Palmisano

Susan Teare, Joanne Palmisano

Make it: DIY Play Kitchen

Creative Activity Rug

Instead of spending money on a rug for the playroom, make a budget-friendly one using a drop cloth and felt. The fact that it serves double duty as a play mat is a huge bonus in our books.

Make it: No-Sew Play Mat

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Toile Meets Hoops

Who says you can’t mix 18th-century French design with basketball? In a kids’ space, patterns don’t need to be cutesy cartoon characters, as long as they’re brightly colored and happy.

Photo By: Emilee Ramsier

Pick a Durable Style

Rustic decor is perfect for a playroom. Who cares if the kids crash into the lumber wall with their scooter and scuff it up? They’re only adding to the patina!

Color Upon Color

Most of all a playroom needs to be a happy place. Pile on vibrant colors and create a place to snuggle and lounge. Carpet tiles are also a brilliant choice for playrooms; if one gets stained, swap it with one in a less conspicuous part of the room.

Photo By: Emilee Ramsier

A Mix of Sophistication and Fun

This handsomely paneled library is all decked out for fun. If the party runs late — and if the parents say it’s OK — the teepee and modular seats will accommodate a sleepover.

Photo By: Jason Kisner ©Jason Kisner

Secret Hideaway

If the bubble chair isn’t cool enough, this lucky girl can escape her younger siblings by climbing the ladder to her secret loft.

I Have a Crush on This Bedroom

It's a very lucky kid that gets to snuggle up with Crush every night and then wake up to the bright and cheery faces of Dory and Nemo.

Photo By: Scott Miller

House in the House

What 4-year-old girl wouldn’t love this sweet window box-laden playhouse? The Dutch door allows for parental supervision and a little privacy for her. (Mr. Ed the horse likes it too.)

Hip Style in Red, White and Blue

A loft bed can be the perfect solution for a small bedroom. This one allows for added hangout space and the swivel chairs are a bonus because all little boys like to twist and spin. Design by Brian Patrick Flynn

Stations and Storage

Like a preschool, the best way to keep playroom neat and organized is to have a designated place for everything. Set up play stations for different activities like coloring, blocks and imaginary play, and use clearly labeled (pictures instead of words) baskets to store the toys. Design by Melanie Grant

Photo By: Pat Sudmeier

Cinderella's Castle

The evil stepsisters would be so jealous if they knew Cinderella was crashing in this sweet little bedroom with its castle-inspired details and enchanted forest color palette.

Photo By: Scott Miller

Performance Stage and Entertainment Center

This circus-themed playroom serves triple duty as a home theater, performance stage and rumpus room. See what's on the other side of this room in the next slide.

Seating Under the Big Top

The variety of seating options can be used when the family is having movie night or if the parents are watching the kids put on a performance. See previous slide to catch a glimpse of the stage.

Bring the Outdoors In

This designer made the most of a large column in the center of the room by turning it into a “tree.” A swing hangs from the tree’s canopy and a woodsy wall mural keeps the tree company. Design by Leire Sol Garcia de Asch

Boys and Their Cars

The great thing about a transportation theme is that you can completely customize it depending on the time period, color and type of vehicle. For example, you can do Italian racecars from the 1960s, vintage fire trucks from the 1920s or, when the boys get a little older, hot muscle cars. Design by Susie Fougerousse

Row, Row, Row Your Bed ...

A custom-built bed is the focal point in this underwater-adventure bedroom. The theme isn’t too cutesy so it can take a young boy into teen-hood. See the other side of this room in the next slide.

Photo By: Cy Cyr/Getty Images

Deep Blue Sea Desk

Oceanography homework should be a breeze in this underwater-themed room. See previous slide to catch a glimpse of the shipwreck bed.

Photo By: Cy Cyr/Getty Images

Space Out the Siblings

If your kids have to share a room, designate a personal space for each child. The shelving units around each of these beds provide a little buffer space, and an opportunity for each child to display their favorite things. Design by B. Pila Design Studios

Photo By: unknown

Easy Storage Solutions

Hung at just the right height for little ones, these inexpensive flat-panel cabinets were painted periwinkle on the inside and chalk-friendly black on the outside. Pink plastic tubs can be slid under the cabinets for quick clean-up. Design by Brian Patrick Flynn

Well-Thought-Out Space Planning

Not one ounce of space is wasted in this fun bedroom. The space under the beds is occupied by built-in storage and a cozy fort-like hangout. Even the steps up to the bed serve double duty as a bookshelf. Design by Erica Islas

Hideaway Loft

Some days it is critical to have an escape loft to get away from your tormenting older sibling. This beautifully designed room makes that a welcoming possibility, even when you do get along.

Photo By: Eric Perry

Royal Digs

Made for a future king or queen, this fantasy-come-true bedroom comes equipped with a suit of armor, castle walls, an indoor slide and a private bed chamber.

Time to Hit the Hay

No straw mattress or cow smells in this cozy barn, just the feeling of a safe and warm bed.

Smart Space Planning

This twin room makes the most of a fairly small space. Placing the beds perpendicular, one above the other, takes up less space than arranging them side by side. The upper berth also makes the most of the cathedral ceiling.

Photo By: Eric

Box Out

If you’re going to get an arcade game, why not get a floor to match? Not only are these rubber floor mats colorful and well thought out, they are ideal for a playroom because they are soft and warm on the feet, and they will acoustically buffer the sound of kids bouncing basketballs in the house.

Photo By: Chris Amaral

Performance Corner

You don’t need a lot of room to put on a show. Just designate a corner, add a platform on the floor and hang a cornice box and curtains from the ceiling. Get some costumes and you’re sure to be entertained. Design by Amy Bubier

Worldly Walls

Wall murals don’t have to be a literal interpretation. Here familiar shapes are formed with unfamiliar patterns and textures. Design by Emerson Grey

Library Tree

Who says books don’t grow on trees? This story-time corner cleverly uses vertical space to display toys and boys. Design by Susie Fougerousse

Undersea Adventure

The perpendicular, multilevel placement of the beds allows for a lot of storage and opens up floor space for playing. The walls of sea grass provide a little extra privacy and a bunch of personality.

Fairy Princess Garden

An oak tree sprouts out of the corner taking the wall mural from 2-D to 3-D. Beanbags, cushions and plush carpet give this magic forest setting a soft terrain. Design by Sherri Blum

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DIY Network Blog: Made + Remade

10 Playroom Design Ideas to Inspire You

Related To:

Multicolored Playroom Cubbies

Scrabble, Anyone?

Fun & Colorful Playroom With Custom Scrabble Board Wall

Dreamy Dress-Up Station

Little Girl's Playroom With Stage and Dress-Up Area

Bright + Modern

Dream Playroom Features Teepee, Rope Swings and Floor Cushions

Chalkboard Cabinets

Original-Brian-Patrick-Flynn_cloak-cabinets_s3x4

Costume Corner

BPF_original_painted-kids-costume-station_wideview

Enter Stage Right

Tools and Materials

Measure the Wall

Measure and Mark Distance Between Hanging Rods

Mark Flange Positioning

Pre-Drill Flanges

Insert Screws, Remove, Then Paint

Fasten Flanges and MDF to Wall

Make Hat Holders

Attach Flanges to Wooden Discs

Assemble Rods

Attach Rods to Wall

Add Costumes

Mini Workshop

CI-SusanTeare_upcycled-toy-workbench_v

DIY Stage

BPF_original_play-puppet-stage_wideview

Fun Felt Wall

BPF_original_felt-activity-wall_detail_4x3

Adorable Play Kitchen

CI-Susan-Teare_Toy-Kitchen-with-girl_v

Creative Activity Rug

Toile Meets Hoops

Pick a Durable Style

Color Upon Color

A Mix of Sophistication and Fun

Secret Hideaway

I Have a Crush on This Bedroom

House in the House

Hip Style in Red, White and Blue

Stations and Storage

Cinderella's Castle

Performance Stage and Entertainment Center

Seating Under the Big Top

Bring the Outdoors In

Boys and Their Cars

Row, Row, Row Your Bed ...

Deep Blue Sea Desk

Space Out the Siblings

Easy Storage Solutions

Well-Thought-Out Space Planning

Hideaway Loft

Royal Digs

Time to Hit the Hay

Smart Space Planning

Box Out

Performance Corner

Worldly Walls

Library Tree

Undersea Adventure

Fairy Princess Garden